US Locksmith is a licensed (Lic #00443LK) locksmith company serving all of South Florida since 2004. Hiding a spare house key sounds simple, but most people rely on spots that burglars check first — under the doormat, in the mailbox, or in a flower bed. Here are three genuinely clever hiding methods that security professionals in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach actually recommend.
What Are the Best Hiding Spots for a Spare Key?
The three best hiding methods are a fake sprinkler head, an outdoor thermometer with a hidden compartment, and a hollow rock combined with a combination lock box. Each method works by blending into your property's existing landscape so the hiding spot is invisible to anyone who does not already know it is there.
1. Fake Sprinkler Hide-A-Key. This product looks like a standard irrigation sprinkler head and hides a key inside. It is effective only if your property already has a sprinkler system with similar-looking heads. If it looks out of place, a burglar will spot it immediately. Consider buying several identical units and hiding the key in only one.
2. Outdoor Thermometer with Hidden Compartment: These thermometers function normally and open to reveal a key compartment. Place it near your front door where a thermometer would naturally hang. The advantage: anyone watching sees you check the temperature, not retrieve a key. The hiding action is invisible.
3. Hollow Rock + Combination Lock Box — A hollow rock alone is a well-known hiding method that burglars check. The upgrade: place the key inside a magnetic combination lock box, then put the lock box inside the rock. This dual-layer protection means even if someone finds the rock, they still cannot access the key without the combination.
Is Hiding a Key Actually Safe?
Hiding a key is safer than leaving one under the doormat, but it is never as secure as a smart lock or a keyless entry system. For maximum security, consider upgrading to a keypad deadbolt that eliminates the need for a physical spare key entirely. US Locksmith installs smart locks and keyless entry systems across South Florida.
If you do choose to hide a key, follow these rules:
- Never hide a key within 10 feet of your front door in an obvious location
- Change the hiding spot every few months
- Use a combination lock box for an additional layer of protection
- Tell only trusted family members where the key is hidden
- Consider a keyless entry system as a permanent alternative
A locksmith in Miami Beach or anywhere in South Florida can help you evaluate your options and install the right solution for your property and lifestyle.
Bottom Line
A hidden spare key is better than no backup plan, but only if the hiding spot is genuinely creative and not one of the obvious locations burglars check first. For the most secure approach, consider upgrading to a keyless entry system that eliminates the need for a physical spare key. US Locksmith can help — call 1-866-776-6062.
Frequently Asked Questions
Never hide a key under the doormat, inside the mailbox, on top of the door frame, under a flower pot next to the door, or inside an obvious fake rock. These are the first places burglars check and offer no real security.
Yes. A lockbox with a combination code is significantly more secure than any hidden key because even if the box is found, it cannot be opened without the correct code. Wall-mounted lockboxes used by real estate agents are a reliable option for homeowners.
Yes. US Locksmith can cut spare keys for virtually any residential lock, including high-security keys from Medeco and Mul-T-Lock. We can also set up a rekeying system so all your locks use the same key. Call 1-866-776-6062.
A smart lock or keypad deadbolt eliminates the need for a physical spare key entirely. You can create temporary access codes for guests, contractors, or family members and revoke them at any time — no key copying or hiding required.
Smart lock installation typically ranges from $150 to $400 depending on the brand and features. US Locksmith installs and programs smart locks across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call 1-866-776-6062 for a quote.
Need a Locksmith? Call US Locksmith
US Locksmith is available 24/7 across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County. Licensed (#00443LK), bonded, and insured.
Call 1-866-776-6062Learn more about professional standards from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).